Thursday, August 20, 2020

Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Devotion to the Blessed Virgin is not a sentimental thing, although it involves sentiment. It is not just for those who have some kind of unmet emotional need. It is theological. It is intimately tied up with the faith.

At the foot of the cross Jesus gave us Mary as mother. All of us. Because we need her metaphysically.

I'd wager that the main problems in Protestantism stem from their rejection of devotion to the Blessed Mother. And even among Catholics. 

Even Islam venerates her!

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Universal truths

There are universal truths that apply to all, no matter what their circumstances or background. What McIntyre was saying about good citizenship in the video by Gregory B. Sadler is simply true. It is valuable, indeed imperative, to speak at such an abstract level so we can better understand the concrete. Of course, Newman is right about real assent. The abstract articulation of principles is not usually very compelling. But, it provides a boundary. A good citizen must be thinking in terms of the common good. Virtue requires a consideration of the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God.

Whatever the defects of the western tradition, such as latent or blatant racism, it is the place where the human race has reflected critically on the universals. And it contains within itself the resources to overcome its defects, just as Catholicism has within itself the resources to overcome the tendency to a dualistic denigration of the body.

Of course, sometimes the impetus to overcome the defects comes from a critique from outside. The Great Conversation. And, genuine insight that may be as valuable may come from outside as well.